Moderate to heavy snow continues for Denver, with storm totals of up to a foot or more possible

The Front Range and Eastern Plains are experiencing quite a late season storm today, with heavy snow and temperatures of about 30 degrees below average.  Heavy snow began in Denver shortly after sundown last night and continues through Saturday, with locations in the metro area reporting 7-11" as of 10:30 a.m., with a foot or more possible by the time the storm winds down later this afternoon/evening.  As of noon on Saturday, the temperature in Denver is still only 15 degrees, so this is a very cold storm for late March.  Even heavier snow is occurring out on the northeastern Plains, where areas could see more than a foot, while areas north of Boulder to Ft. Collins will see less snow.

Travel conditions are nasty today due to the blowing snow and snowpacked/icy roads due to the cold temperatures.  Parts of I-70 east of Denver are closed, and a 6-mile stretch west of Denver between C-470 and Genesee is also closed.

In the mountains, areas west of the Divide will not see much snow from this storm, but later tonight and throughout the day tomorrow, wrap-around snow from the storm behind a northwesterly flow will develop, bringing accumulating snow to the northern mountains.


A second, lighter snow event to reach Denver Sunday night

Tomorrow evening, another weaker system will pass through bringing a secondary cold front, and another round of accumulating snow to the Denver area.  Accumulations will be lighter this time, though, with a couple of inches likely.  Nevertheless, winter is full force this weekend with unseasonably cold temperatures.  Highs today will struggle to top 20 in Denver, with lows dropping into the single digits tonight.  On Sunday and Monday, highs will likely remain in the 20's in Denver as well.  For some perspective, average highs in Denver for this time of year are in the upper 50's.


Dry weather returns Tuesday

The cold air will finally begin to subside and warmer temperatures will return starting on Tuesday, with sunny skies and progressively warmer temperatures throughout the week.  By the end of the week, Denver should see highs reaching the 50's again.  Unsettled weather could return next weekend, but this is 7+ days out so confidence is low.